Structural unit



March 10, 1936. M. c. J. BILLINGHAM 2,033,752

' STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Sept. 9, 1932 1N VENTOR I ham ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 10, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE aossnsz I STRUCTURAL UNIT The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a structural unit offering high zesistance to the passage of heat in either direcion.

Second. to provide a structural unit having an exposed surface of a permanent nature, decorative in itself and easily cleaned.

Third, to provide a structural unit of this character which is fireproof.

' Fourth, to provide a structural unit embodying the above features which is inexpensive, is not subject to temperature changes or climatic con-- ditions, is light in weight, may be cut to final size, and has a high salvage value.

Objects relating to details and economies of my invention will appear from the description to' follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

- A structure which is a preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a. fragmentary perspective view of a structural unit embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse section of the unit without the heat insulating v lamina or member.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse section on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. 1, the thickness of the heating insulating member being exaggerated.

Referring to the drawing. i is a fireproof plaster board and 2 is a sheet of aluminum leaf. The plaster board comprises spaced cardboard sheets or layers 3 and l between which is dis posed a filler 5 of fire resistant material. ,The' aluminum foil or leaf is applied to the cardboard member 3 and glued or otherwise cemented thereto so that the plaster board constitutes a substantially rigid backing for the structurally weak aluminum leaf.

While I prefer to use extremely thin' sheet aluminum, any similar material may be used so long as the opposed surfaces thereof are highly polished and of a permanent nature; The opposed polished surfaces on the thin aluminum sheet reflect light and heat rays and thereby prevent the latter from passing therethrough. The thin aluminum sheet constitutes an extremely efiective heat insulator by repelling heat from both of its sides by reflection. The wall or plaster board provides a substantially rigid supporting backing for the thin aluminum leaf or foil.

The aluminum leaf provides a surface of a per- I manent nature, decorative in itself and easily cleaned. This minimizes the cost of upkeep for such specific items as painting and decorating exposed external and internal wall surfaces. Further, it is not subject to deterioration, temperature changes or climatic conditions.

While I prefer to use fireproof wall or plaster board for backing the heat insulating member, any convenient backing member' may be used which may be cut, manufactured in large light units and presents a smooth surface for receiving the extremely thin heat insulating metal sheet.

My insulating member is an extremely thin sheet of metal having a high heat reflecting value,

but practically no structural strength of its own.

Its extreme thinness makes its cost very low, and when combined with a relatively inexpensive structural backing member, such low cost is not materially increased, the entire unit being very inexpensive. My new structural unit provides a very effective heat insulator combined with all of the advantages of wall board. It also provides a permanent decorative surface which may be cleaned, thereby eliminating costly painting and the like. The material aiso has the advantage of being wind and water proof; that is, waterproof from the side having the aluminum ply, which obviously may be employed on both sides if desired. Although the foil is thin, it is very effective in preventing the passage of air.

It will be understood that in the accompanying drawing no attempt is made to show the parts in relative proportions as, for example, it is quite 'impratical to illustrate the layer of metal foil 'tions, low cost of upkeep, exposed surfaces being decorative, easily cleaned and of a permanent nature, high resistance to the passage of heat, ease of erection, lightness in weight, ease of cutting, small waste and a high salvage value, comprising in combination plaster board consisting of spaced sheets of cardboard, and a filler of fire resistant material disposed therebetween, and highly polished aluminum leaf cemented to one side of said plaster board which provides a smooth surface for receiving the same and a substantially rigid backing, the resulting structural unit being easily cleaned, self supporting, heat insulating, wind-proof, fireproof, moisture-proof and self supporting to a remarkable degree.

2. A building board comprising a core of gypsum, 9, paper covering therefor, and a sheet of metal foil covering the exposed surface of the paper on one side of the board.

3. A structural unit for a building wall construction, comprising a building board having a core of gypsum and a paper covering therefor, a surface of the board being substantially completely covered with metal foil secured to the paper covering of the boards in intimate contact therewith.

4. A structural unit for building wall construction, comprising a rigid board member of a hydrated composition having a fibrous surface completely covered with metal foil.

5. A structural unit for a building wall con struction, comprising a building board having a core of gypsum and a paper covering thereof, a surface of the board being substantially completely covered with a relatively thin metallic covering adhered to the paper covering of the boards.

6. A structural unit for building wall construction, comprising a rigid board member of a hydrated composition having a fibrous surface substantially completely covered with a relatively thin metallic covering adhered thereto.

MIL'I'ON C. J. BILLINGHAM. 

